THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
March 2024
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
Welcome to spring.
We have several members that want to be more involved in the club, but the Tuesday meeting dates pose a conflict. We have tried Wednesdays, but that tends to create the same issue for a different set of members. As such, effective with the April general meeting we will be moving our Zoom calls to Monday nights. Our first meeting will be April 8th at 6:30 for the board meeting and then 7:30 for the general meeting. We hope to see/hear you all then. Please remember with our Zoom membership you do not have to attend via a computer. There is a call in option available to make it as simple as possible.
Our April 8th meeting is one of the more important meetings of the year. We have published the Nominating committee’s recommended slate for the upcoming year earlier this month. April is the meeting that the membership has the opportunity to nominate any other full member to any of the positions. The person being nominated must also be on the call and verbally accept the nomination.
As I write this message, we just held our annual Puppy Picnic yesterday. While this year's venue was much smaller it was also very cozy. The weather was unbelievable for us - sunny, not too hot, and with a bit of a breeze. We had way to much food, participants from Florida and Tennessee and our judge, Josh Marshall all the way from Louisiana. A huge thanks to Josh for judging our fun match and the various other fun events we had. He made a small ring work out and did a great job for us. Also, huge thanks to Dr. Darlene and Dr. Stacy for our heart and eye clinics. This is one of the biggest benefits we are able to provide to our membership at an extremely reduced costs due to their commitment to our club. See further down in the newsletter for more details and pictures on the success of this wonderful event.
Lastly, don’t forget the April meeting where we can firm up our slate, and the May meeting will we will vote on the leadership of our cub for the next 12 months.
Thanks
Jim
EDITOR'S MESSAGE
Thank you for providing awesome content for our newsletter - we wouldn't have it without your contributions! I've received good feedback on the introduction of the Performance Corner, and this month we'll be highlighting Jess and Victoria Bahill's adventures in the agility ring. Scroll down to read more!
If you'd like to contribute to the newsletter, if there is anything you'd like to see more or less of, or if you have any general feedback or suggestions, please send them to CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you!
Beth Lassiter, Editor
2024 MEETING SCHEDULE
April 8, 2024 *MONDAY Note NEW DAY* - Board Meeting at 6:30pm; Regular Meeting at 7:30pm
May 13, 2024 – Regular Meeting at 7:30pm
June 23, 2024 – Puppy Social at Paula Ayers (Noon to 4pm)
July – NO MEETINGS
Please remember that we have moved our meeting day from Tuesday to Monday to accommodate our members’ attendance to the meetings.
2024-2025 NOMINATING COMMITTEE INFORMATION
The Nominating Committee has submitted the following slate for 2024-2025:
President – Jim Utych
Vice President – Paula Ayers
Treasurer – Carolyn Powell
Secretary – Sharon Utych
Director – LaVada McCosh
Director – Ashley Powell
Director – Alice Alford
Floor nominations will be taken at the April 2024 regular meeting for each position. To nominate a person for a position, the person making the nomination and the person being nominated on the floor must be in attendance at the April meeting which will be a zoom video / teleconference meeting.
Our thanks to the nominating committee for their hard work.
Below are the club by laws addressing the annual meeting & elections along with the floor nomination information per the by laws.
ARTICLE IV The Club Year, Annual Meeting, and Elections
Section 1. Club Year.
The Club's fiscal year shall begin on the 1st day of January and end on the last day of December. The club’s official year shall begin immediately at the conclusion of the election at the annual meeting and shall continue through the election at the next annual meeting.
Section 2. Annual Meeting.
The annual meeting shall be held in the month of May at which Officers and Directors for the ensuing year shall be elected by secret ballot from among those nominated in accordance with Section 4 of this
article. If there is only one (1) nominee for each of the Officers and Board positions then election by secret ballot may be dispensed and the Recording Secretary will cast one vote to elect those nominated. They shall take office immediately upon the conclusion of the election and each retiring officer shall turn over to the successor in office all properties and records relating to that office within 30 days after the election.
Section 3. Elections.
The nominated candidate receiving the greatest number of votes for each office shall be declared elected. The two ( 2) nominated candidates for the other positions on the Board that receive the greatest number of votes for such positions shall be declared elected.
Section 4. Nominations.
No person may be candidate in the Club elections who has not been nominated and is not a voting member in good standing. During the month of February, the Board shall select a Nominating Committee consisting of three (3) members and two (2) alternates, not more than one of who may be a member of the Board. The Correspondence Secretary shall immediately notify the committee members and alternates of their selection. The Board shall name a Chairman for the committee and it shall be such persons duty to call a committee meeting, which shall be held on or before March 15.
a) The committee shall nominate one (1) candidate for each office and positions on the Board, and after securing the consent of each person so nominated, shall immediately report their nominations to
the Correspondence Secretary in writing.
b) Upon receipt of the Nominating Committee’s report, the Correspondence Secretary shall, at least two weeks before the April meeting, notify each member in writing of the candidates so nominated.
c) Additional nominations may be made at the April meeting by any voting member in attendance provided that the person so nominated does not decline when their name is proposed and provided further that if the proposed candidate is not present at the meeting, the proposer shall present to the Correspondence Secretary a written statement from the proposed candidate signifying willingness to be a candidate. No person may be a candidate for more than one position. Nominations cannot be made at the annual meeting or in any manner other than as provided in this section.
ANNUAL PUPPY PICNIC
It was a beautiful sunny and cool day on Sunday March 24 for our annual puppy picnic! We had a very nice turnout of about 30 people and lots of cavaliers! Our health clinics were a huge success as we had 39 dogs tested for eyes and 36 dogs tested for heart clearances. This is an important part of our club to have health testing as one of our AKC Specialty Club compliance items, along with our Fun Match.
We had fabulous food – dips, BBQ meatballs, delicious salads (yum to that broccoli salad and the noodle salad), dips, veggies, sammies, fried chicken and loads of sweets. Everyone raved over Carolyn Powell’s custard pie! Thank you to everyone who brought food – it was a great spread!
Our Fun Match judge was Joshua Marshall (Forestcreek US) and he had some lovely puppies and adults to choose from! Winners Dog was Collins, who was also Best of Opposite Sex. Reserve Winners Dog was Stevie, who was also Best Veteran in Match. Best Exhibition in Match was Catcher. Winners Bitch was a 4 to 6 month puppy named Poppy, who was also Best Puppy in Match, and Best in Match! Reserve Winners Bitch was Anna from the American Bred Class.
Our fun classes saw Phoebe win Best Trick (playing dead), Collins with longest ears & longest sit/stay. Biggest Eyes, Fastest Weave Time, and Fastest Biscuit eater went to Ginger!
We hope everyone had a great time!
Poppy: Winners Bitch, Best Puppy in Match, Best in Match
Anna: Reseve Winners Bitch
Ginger: Biggest Eyes, Fastest Weave Time, Fastest Biscuit Eater
What a spread!!!
Party in the expen!
We put the FUN in Fun Match
Cavaliers make us all smile
Great exposure for the puppies
Food & fun for everyone
JUNE PUPPY PICNIC
Mark your calendar for Sunday June 23 from noon to 4pm for our quarterly puppy social at the home of Paula Ayers. It will be held on her breezeway. Bring a chair and a side to share! The club will have water and soda. This is always a great time for your cavaliers plus there are usually puppies galore to cuddle and love on!
An evite invitation has been emailed to members and reminders will be sent out closer to the date.
2024 ACKCSC NATIONAL SPECIALTY
2024 is ACKCSC’s 30th Anniversary!
Dates: April 15-19, 2024
Where: Mesquite, Texas
We will have both a National Specialty and an Independent Specialty hosted by the ACKCSC.
- The Conformation National will run Monday through Thursday April 15-18th.
- The Conformation Independent Specialty will be on Friday April 19th.
Show Chair: Richard Alexander crystalkanecav@aol.com
Superintendent: Baray
Hotel: Hampton Inn & Suites - Mesquite Convention Center in Mesquite, TX
Additional information about the hotel can be found here.
A show this size is a whole lot of work — if you are attending, we are counting on you to participate and volunteer! As the show gets closer, we will have a link to the sign-up sheet posted.
THANK YOU
Sharon Utych would like to thank the Club for the lovely card sent on the passing of her mother, Marge.
PERFORMANCE CORNER: AGILITY
Beth: Can you provide a little background on your experience with agility?
Jessica & Victoria: We have been training in agility for about three years now. We originally got started with Westley because he was incredibly shy and we were new to Georgia and Cavaliers. We did a puppy manners class and there just happened to be an A-Frame on the field, we turned around for a minute and when we looked back he was lording over the rest of the puppies at the top of the frame. After that we signed up for our first class and a year later found ourselves working with Meryl Sheard at Sirius Dog Agility. Westley is currently one qualified run away from both his starters titles in USDAA Jumpers and Snookers, Gigi is right behind him as well. We just want them to have fun with the sport and they absolutely do. We love the ribbons, of course, but at the end of the day seeing the two of them light up every Tuesday for agility class is more than enough. This past weekend they both competed in their first AKC Agility trial, and Westley took first place in FAST (Fifteen and Send Time). Gigi did her best, but found the girl scouts helping out in the ring to be more interesting than obstacles.
B: What do you enjoy about the sport?
J&V: The community has been incredibly welcoming and supportive. We've been able to make friends with folks from all walks of life with all sizes and types of dogs. Everyone we train with has been so open and welcoming. The sport itself is really fulfilling too. When we first started we'd been under the impression that it was just sending your dogs through obstacles, but we quickly realized that there is a lot of foundational work. Putting in that work made our bonds with the dogs so much stronger and made them better behaved- not perfect, but better. There's also so many different competition options for you and your dog. For AKC there's FAST, Jumpers with Weaves (JWW), Standard, and Time to Beat. This allows you to prioritize either running your dogs in a class you know they'll succeed in or practicing something you've been working on. We used this past trial to focus on weaves, so we ran in JWW and Standard Novice classes.
B: What do your dogs enjoy about agility?
J&V: Agility and dog sports in general have become such an integral part of our lives, and it has allowed us to really bond with the dogs. Jess runs and trainings with Gigi and Victoria runs and trains with Westley. It's very clear who lays down the law with both of them and it's clear that they both love the individualized attention. It's also been really great at boosting their confidence. They don't hesitate to storm up an A-Frame or run into a dark tunnel. They know that if they work they get their chicken chips or Charlee Bears. They both love jumps, but also have their own favorite obstacles. Westley is still king of the A-frame and Gigi could spend all day running tunnels. It's really rewarding for all of us. The dogs get so excited when they're on-deck to step into the ring.
B: What unique quality do cavaliers bring to the agility field?
J&V: They're just so happy to be there. They could be dead last, miss every obstacle, and run so slow that the clock stops... but still wag their tail and act like you hung the moon in the middle of the ring for them. I think a lot of people see Cavaliers and think they won't have the drive for a sport like agility, but I really disagree. They're so eager to please, quick, and intelligent. That to me is a perfect agility dog. Breeds that are "typical" agility dogs can get really caught up in just taking obstacles and overthinking it, but in our experience we've been able to avoid that because our dogs want our attention. They do an obstacle and instantly look to reconnect with us. It's also really nice to have a breed that can "turn it off.' They'll let us have it while we're training and sprint around at the trials, but once we're back home it;s snuggle-on-the-couch-o'clock
B: Are there special concerns for cavaliers doing agility?
J&V: Healthwise, one concern we've run into is keeping them tuned up with a chiropractor. We knew early on that this breed had patella and occasional hip issues, so we got both Westley and Gigi into a chiropractor in advance. Westley also has congenital cataracts, so he has been on Occu-glo and we work with his sense of smell and hearing. This has made it really difficult for him to master weave poles, but he does his absolute best.
Temperament wise, they're just so friendly. In agility rings the judge stands off along with ring attendants- we've run into an issue with both dogs catching sight of a friendly face and abandoning our run to say hi. It's just in their nature to be opportunistic about pets. I will also add that we've been timed out of trials a few times because Gigi needed to go visit with ring attendants... so sometimes they can be too friendly.
B: If I'm interested in doing agility with my cavalier, how would I get started? Does it matter if I don't want to compete?
J&V: We have found that training the basics of CGC and trick dog titling really made transitioning to obstacles so much easier for both of our dogs. Having those foundations really helped once we started working on our stays and downs, which are vital for anyone looking to start the sport. You want to know that your dog can be still and keep their eyes on you. We've been training in agility for nearly three years now and have only competed in three trials, so it absolutely doesn't matter if you want to compete or not. Agility is a great sport to grow your bond with your dog and keep them (and us) exercised. We also recommend looking for a beginners class near you, some facilities that we've worked with are Canine Capers, Sirius Dog Agility, and Alchemy Dog training. We also play plenty of games that assist with training like crate games, it's yer choice, and others. We found that Susan Garrett's games and podcast were great for learning more games and tips. https://susangarrettdogagility.com/2020/04/5-games-for-puppies/
Also, feel free to stop by a local trial! There are a few AKC agility trials coming up, but you can familiarize yourself with the community and sport by attending any trial.
Check out AKC Agility Brochure: https://images.akc.org/pdf/events/agility/Agility_Brochure.pdf
Upcoming AKC Agility Trials:
- Perry, Georgia (4/10-4/13)
- Talking Rock, Georgia (5/10-5/12)
Thank you so much, Jessica & Victoria, for taking time to share your experience with us, and thank you for these awesome pictures from your trial early March. We look forward to cheering you on in the field!
Westley plans a jump
Gigi shoots out of a tunnel
Westley catches air
INSPIRATIONAL THOUGHT OF THE MONTH
Send your favorite inspirational thought to CKCSCAtlantaNewsletter@gmail.com
NATURAL REMEDIES
Is anxiety making your dog antsy? This healthy and flavorful fare will help your furry companion chill.
Many years ago, I dealt with a dog in a rescue situation. He was so stressed that he started pulling his hair out with his teeth, and he was covered with sores. Luckily, he got the help and love he needed, and found a home where he could unpack all his “baggage”. One of the things that assisted him on the road to physical and mental recovery was a selection of power foods that helped manage the impact of stress on his body and supported his immune system so he could regain his strength and eventually his confidence. Some foods act as stimulants while others act have a calming influence. It’s really amazing, but by simply choosing certain foods and adding them to your dog’s diet, you can help alleviate any stress and anxiety.
Here are the top eleven stress-fighting foods.
1. Blueberries
A whole foods diet that includes fresh blueberries can be a great way to provide your dog with mini-powerhouses of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help protect him from the effects of stress. Wild blueberries have even more valuable polyphenols than cultivated blueberries do. Simply add a few to food before serving, or mix them with some goat milk yogurt.
2. Kale
Leafy greens like kale, as well as spinach and Swiss chard, are packed with nutrients, including vitamins A, b6, C and k, along with calcium, manganese, copper, potassium and iron. Kale is a great source of fiber, and is loaded with antioxidants, phytonutrients, and carotenoids. The beta carotene and lutein in kale help protect against oxidative stress, chronic inflammation, and even cancer. Isothiocyanates made from the glucosinolates in kale play an important role in these preventive, stress-protective qualities.
3. Sweet potatoes
Sweet potatoes are one of the world’s healthiest foods. They are packed with antioxidants and are a terrific source of vitamin E. Sweet potatoes also contain many other important nutrients, including vitamins A, B6 and C, calcium, iron, folate, potassium, copper, thiamine and iron. They are rich in beta carotene, which may be a significant factor in reducing the risk of certain cancers. They offer complex carbohydrates to help regulate blood sugar levels and even insulin resistance. The potassium in sweet potatoes helps maintain fluid and electrolyte balance, which is good news for maintaining healthy heart function and reducing anxiety. sweet potatoes are also a good source of dietary fiber, helping to support a healthy gastrointestinal system.
4. Beef
Did you know that beef is a natural antidepressant? The B vitamins it contains can regulate stress levels. beef is very rich in folic acid, and also contains pantothenic acid, also known as vitamin B5, which is great for anxiety. This vitamin enables the production of anti-stress hormones in the adrenal gland that controls the release of cortisol. And increased presence of pantothenic acid reduces blood cortisol and dulls the body’s response to stress. Beef liver is a great source of pantothenic acid.
5. Turkey
If your dog seems overly anxious in the evening hours, you may want to consider adding turkey to his diet. It’s a good source of L-tryptophan, an amino acid often associated with the regulation of sleep. Tryptophan also produces what researchers call “feel good chemicals”; it is a precursor to serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps both humans and dogs feel cool, calm and collected.
6. Oily fish
We have all heard about the “fight or flight” response. Research has demonstrated that consuming Omega-3 fatty acids can help suppress the production of adrenaline that leads people and dogs to “fight or flight”. Too much adrenaline can cause anxiety and even aggression. That adrenaline rush can be slowed down simply by eating whole foods rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, like those found in wild salmon, mackerel, sardines and tuna. Fatty fish have something else in common. They all contain vitamins A and D, which help battle stress. Salmon is extra special because it also contains L-tryptophan.
7. Hemp seed oil
Hemp is a superfood that eases joint pain and inflammation, supports cardiovascular health, conditions the skin and coat, and acts as a digestive aid. Overall, it is a terrific way to support your dog’s immune system and alleviate stress. Hemp seed oil has been recognized as the most balanced vegetable oil in the marketplace. Not only does it contain Omega-3, it also contains Omega-6 and 9. Its fatty acid profile is closer to fish oil than any other vegetable oil. It is also a valuable source of gluten-free protein, contains vitamin C and E and chlorophyll, and has an excellent amino acid profile. Unlike soy and other legumes, hemp seed oil does not contain trypsin inhibitors and oligosaccharides, the gas-producing substances found in many legumes, and it is never genetically modified.
8. Whole oats/whole brown rice
Fiber-rich complex carbohydrates slow down the rate of digestion and enhance the absorption of tryptophan, which in turn is used to manufacture serotonin. Keeping serotonin production nice and steady helps prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. Serotonin is known as nature’s very own antidepressant. The Mayo Clinic and other universities have conducted studies using complex carbohydrates in place of medications containing serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Whole oats are a great choice for dogs because they don’t overwhelm the blood with sugars, causing a surge in insulin. Whole brown rice is another great choice.
9. Quinoa
Quinoa is considered a pseudo-grain because it is technically not a member of the Poaceae botanical family. Even so, most people consider it a true cereal grain simply because of its nutritional value, preparation and use are very similar. Quinoa contains stress-reducing B vitamins, calcium, iron, fiber, potassium, and zinc, and because it contains eight essential amino acids, it is considered a whole protein.
10. Almonds
Almonds contain vitamin E, B vitamins, magnesium, and zinc. Magnesium supports healthy nervous system function and the production of “happy” chemicals in the brain, helping the body become more resilient during bouts of stress because nerves and muscles are more relaxed. Instead of peanut butter, try some almond butter when stuffing a kong!
11. Pumpkin seeds
Pumpkin seeds contain L-tryptophan as well as glutamate, which is required in the synthesis of GAGA, an anti-stress neurochemical. Pumpkin seeds are a good source of vitamin E, which protects tissue cells from free radicals, and they also contain selenium, an antioxidant that helps support the immune system. A deficiency in selenium has been linked to increased anxiety, depression and fatigue.
BY Suzi Beber
Suzi Beber has been successfully creating special needs diets for companion animals for two decades. She founded the University of Guelph’s Smiling Blue Skies® Cancer Fund and Smiling Blue Skies® Fund for Innovative Research. She is the proud recipient of a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, and was honored with the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, for her work in cancer, from the University of Guelph/Ontario Veterinary College. The Smiling Blue Skies Cancer Fund is also the recipient of the “Pets + Us” Community Outreach Champion Award.
RECIPE OF THE MONTH
QUINOA FRUIT SALAD - for dogs or humans
INGREDIENTS:
FOR THE QUINOA:
- 1 cup quinoa (I used Red Quinoa)
- 2 cups water
- Pinch of salt
FOR THE HONEY LIME DRESSING:
- Juice of 1 large lime
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh mint
FOR THE FRUIT:
- 1 1/2 cups blueberries
- 1 1/2 cups sliced strawberries
- 1 1/2 cups chopped mango
- Extra chopped mint, for garnish-optional or any fruit combination you desire
DIRECTIONS:
- Using a strainer, rinse the quinoa under cold water. Add quinoa, water, and salt to a medium saucepan and bring to a boil over medium heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Turn the heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes, or until water is absorbed. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork. Let quinoa cool to room temperature.
- To make the Honey Lime Dressing: In a medium bowl, whisk the lime juice, honey, and mint together until combined.
- In a large bowl, combine quinoa, blueberries, strawberries, and mango. Pour honey lime dressing over the fruit salad and mix until well combined. Garnish with additional mint, if desired. Serve at room temperature for your dog or chilled for your humans.
NEED SOME SUNSHINE?
Do you know a club member who needs some sunshine?
Our Sunshine Committee Chair is Ashley Powell. If you know of a club member that needs to be remembered or encouraged, please be in touch with Ashley.
Ashley can be reached at ashncav@gmail.com.
THE CAVALIER CHRONICLE
CAVALIER KING CHARLES SPANIEL CLUB OF GREATER ATLANTA
Beth Lassiter, editor